10 Ways to Spend One Day in Glasgow

Hey there fellow travelers and welcome to my post where we will cover 10 ways to spend one day in Glasgow. Now, we all know the joys that travel can bring, from visiting far off places, experiencing different cultures and of course, all the new foods. But there is also a downside, – that dreaded day to ‘waste’ in a city whilst waiting for a midnight flight.

So if you are like me (as I live in Australia, all outgoing flights seems to leave late at night), there has been many a day where you need to find something to do that is enjoyable, but doesn’t take too much time – or cost too much money. So if you have a long layover or a day to kill in Dublin, here are 10 things you can do to pass the time in an enjoyable way.

Ways To Spend One Day In Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, offers a compelling blend of culture, history and modern urban vitality that can be encapsulated into a day’s exploration. From the architectural splendor of its Victorian and Art Nouveau buildings to the robust cultural life evident in its museums, galleries and music venues, Glasgow provides visitors a rich tapestry of experiences.

Furthermore, the city’s approachable size allows for an immersive experience even within a limited timeframe. Starting in the central George Square, the heart of Glasgow, visitors can take in the bustling atmosphere before branching out to the diverse neighborhoods. Accessible public transportation and walkability mean that the city’s key attractions, like the tranquil Glasgow Green and the vibrant streets lined with impressive architecture, are never too far away.

So with all that in mind here are 10 unforgettable ways to spend one day in Glasgow.

1. Explore Glasgow’s Historic Landmarks

Glasgow preserves its history through majestic landmarks that offer insight into the city’s rich architectural heritage. Visiting these sites provides a window into Glasgow’s past, from medieval structures to modern marvels. Two must see options include:

Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

Glasgow Cathedral stands as a testament to Scotland’s medieval history, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. Visitors can marvel at the cathedral’s gothic architecture and the stunning stained glass windows and adjacent to the cathedral lies the Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery located on a hill with panoramic views of the city. It is home to an impressive collection of monuments and sculptures.

• Glasgow Cathedral:

  • Origin: 12th Century
  • Architectural Style: Gothic
  • Highlights: Stained Glass Windows

• Necropolis:

  • Established: Victorian Era
  • Notable Features: Monuments, Sculptures, City Views

The Lighthouse and Glasgow’s Architectural Highlights

Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Lighthouse is Glasgow’s Centre for Design and Architecture. It features a viewing platform with sweeping views of the city’s skyline and also provides insights into Mackintosh’s influence on Glasgow’s design ethos. Throughout Glasgow, one can witness a range of architectural styles, from the Italian Renaissance-inspired City Chambers to the Art Nouveau details in the Willow Tea Rooms.

• The Lighthouse:

  • Designer: Charles Rennie Mackintosh
  • Purpose: Centre for Design and Architecture
  • Key Attraction: Viewing Platform for City Skyline

• Architectural Highlights in Glasgow:

  • City Chambers: Italian Renaissance Style
  • Willow Tea Rooms: Art Nouveau Style

---

2. Visit the Riverside Museum and Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour

The Riverside Museum is Glasgow’s award-winning transport museum, showcasing the city’s transport history with interactive displays. Beside the museum is the Tall Ship, the Glenlee, which allows visitors to explore Glasgow’s maritime heritage first-hand.

Both attractions are situated at the Glasgow Harbour, a notable location for innovation and industry in Glasgow’s history.

• Riverside Museum:

  • Focus: Transport History
  • Features: Interactive Displays
  • Awards: European Museum of the Year 2013

• Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour:

  • Vessel: The Glenlee (Tall Ship)
  • Significance: Maritime Heritage
  • Location: Glasgow Harbour

---

3. Experience Glasgow’s Culture and Art

Glasgow shines as a beacon of culture and art in Scotland, showcasing a rich artistic heritage and an energetic contemporary arts scene. Some good options here include:

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is not only an architectural masterpiece but also houses one of Europe’s great art collections. Visitors can view Renaissance art, Scottish and international armor and myriad pieces from across the centuries. With 22 themed galleries and over 8,000 objects, there is plenty to explore.

Theatre, Music, and Performance Venues

Glasgow’s performance venues are vibrant and buzzing with talent. From the historic King’s Theatre to the avant-garde performances at the Tron Theatre, the city caters to all tastes. Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall and the legendary Barrowland Ballroom are stages that regularly feature major international acts as well as local musicians, showcasing the city’s love for music.

Book your trip to Glasgow here!

---

4. Indulge in Local Cuisine

Glasgow offers a diverse culinary landscape, from time-honored Scottish dishes to modern gastronomic experiences. Visitors can savor the richness of local flavors through a variety of dining options such as.

Traditional Scottish Fare

Scottish cuisine is characterized by its hearty and comforting dishes. Haggis, a savory pudding of sheep’s offal, oatmeal, suet and spices, is a must-try for those looking to experience a quintessential Scottish meal. Often served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), it can be found in many pubs and restaurants across Glasgow.

Another local favorite is the deep-fried Mars bar, a novel treat consisting of the candy bar encased in batter and fried to a golden crisp. This indulgent snack can be found at chip shops throughout the city center, representing a playful side of Glasgow’s food offerings.

• Scottish Staple Foods:
  • Haggis
  • Neeps and Tatties
  • Scotch Pie
  • Cullen Skink (smoked fish soup)

Seafood also plays a vital role in the traditional Scottish diet, given Glasgow’s proximity to coastal waters. Fresh salmon, langoustines and oysters are prominently featured in local menus.

Contemporary Dining

Glasgow’s contemporary food scene is vibrant and constantly evolving, offering an array of international flavors alongside modern Scottish cuisine. Restaurants are embracing local ingredients while innovating with global culinary techniques.

The city’s West End is particularly known for its trendy eateries and a diverse selection of foods from around the world. Vegan and vegetarian options are also becoming more prevalent, catering to a variety of dietary preferences as well.

Some highlights in contemporary dining include:

• Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Emphasis on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Global Cuisine: A rich selection of international restaurants from Italian to Indian.
• Innovative Scottish Dishes: Chefs reimagining traditional recipes with a modern twist.

Glasgow’s gastronomy is as rich and varied as its history and culture, offering something to satisfy every palate.

---

5. Walk Glasgow Green and the People’s Palace

Glasgow Green is the city’s oldest public park and a delightful expanse of greenery that invites locals and tourists alike for various outdoor activities. Centered within the park is the People’s Palace, a museum dedicated to the social history of Glasgow.

The surrounding grounds are perfect for jogging and the park frequently hosts concerts and large public events.

• Location: East End of Glasgow
• Activities: Walking, jogging, sightseeing
• Highlight: The Doulton Fountain, the largest terracotta fountain in the world

---

6. Wander the Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace

The Glasgow Botanic Gardens, located in the heart of the city’s West End, is a peaceful oasis that offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Established in 1817, the gardens have grown to become one of Glasgow’s most cherished green spaces attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Highlights here include:

• Kibble Palace: This is perhaps the most iconic structure within the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The Kibble Palace is a large, wrought iron framed glasshouse that dates back to the late 19th century and houses a magnificent collection of temperate plants from around the world, including ferns and tropical species.
• Main Range Glasshouses: Besides the Kibble Palace, the gardens feature several other glasshouses, each with its own unique collection of plants. These range from cacti and succulents to orchids and carnivorous plants, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the plant kingdom.
• Herbaceous Borders and Arboretum: The gardens are well-known for their beautifully maintained herbaceous borders, which display a variety of colors and textures throughout the seasons. The arboretum is home to a collection of mature trees from different parts of the world, providing a serene environment for a leisurely walk.
• The River Kelvin Walkway: The gardens are bordered by the River Kelvin, and there’s a lovely walkway along the river that offers a tranquil setting for a stroll. The river and its surrounding woodland are home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

---

7. Stroll through the University of Glasgow

Entering the University of Glasgow is like walking back in time while simultaneously experiencing the vibrancy of modern academic life. Founded in 1451, it is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and has maintained a global reputation for excellence in research and education.

The university’s main campus is located in the West End of Glasgow, a picturesque and historic area of the city. Here’s what you can expect when visiting this iconic institution:

• Gilbert Scott Building: The heart of the university is the Gilbert Scott Building, an awe-inspiring example of Gothic Revival architecture designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Its towering spires and detailed stonework make it a visual masterpiece.
• The Cloisters: Also known as The Undercroft, the Cloisters are a highlight for many visitors as these atmospheric archways provide a stunning backdrop for photographs and are often featured in film and television. Walking through the Cloisters, you can feel the history and academic achievements that have permeated the university over the centuries.
• Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery: Located within the university, the Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest public museum offering an eclectic collection ranging from Roman artifacts found in Scotland to works by James McNeill Whistler and the Scottish Colourists.
• The University Library: While access may be restricted to students and staff, the University of Glasgow’s library is an impressive modern building with extensive collections. It’s a hub of academic activity and a testament to the university’s commitment to learning and research.

Book your trip to Glasgow here!

---

8. Tour Glasgow City Chambers

Situated on George Square, right in the center of Glasgow, the City Chambers is an imposing building that serves as the headquarters of Glasgow City Council. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1888, this masterpiece of Victorian architecture symbolizes the historical wealth and industrial power of Glasgow at the height of the British Empire.

The City Chambers offers free guided tours that allow visitors to explore the building’s interior and learn about its history, architecture and the role it plays in the governance of the city. These tours are highly recommended as they provide insights into the civic pride of Glasgow and the building’s significance including.

• Banqueting Hall: One of the standout features you’ll likely see on the tour is the banqueting hall, with its ornate ceiling, grand organ and portraits of notable figures in Glasgow’s history. This room is used for significant events and official ceremonies.
• Council Chamber: Another highlight is the council chamber, where the city’s important decisions are made. The chamber is designed in an amphitheater style, surrounded by wood-paneled walls and decorated with stained glass windows representing Glasgow’s history.

---

9. Take in the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)

The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Glasgow offers a deep dive into the world of contemporary art within an iconic setting. Located in the heart of the city at Royal Exchange Square, GoMA is housed in a neoclassical building that was originally built in 1778 as the townhouse of a wealthy tobacco lord before becoming a public space for art and culture.

As the most visited modern art gallery in Scotland, GoMA presents a compelling program of temporary exhibitions and workshops, alongside its impressive permanent collection. Here’s what you can see when visiting GoMA:

• Permanent Collection: GoMA’s collection includes works by both local and international artists, spanning a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, video and installations. The collection focuses on contemporary social issues, reflecting the gallery’s commitment to using art as a platform for discussing current topics such as social justice, human rights and global conflicts.
• Temporary Exhibitions: The gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge contemporary art that often feature works by emerging artists, providing a space for new voices and perspectives in the art world. The themes and artists featured are dynamic and diverse, ensuring that there is always something new and thought-provoking to see.

---

10. Shop it up on Buchanan Street

Taking a walk down Buchanan Street in Glasgow is an experience that blends shopping, architecture and the vibrant street life of one of the UK’s premier urban centers. As the main shopping thoroughfare in Glasgow, Buchanan Street runs through the heart of the city’s retail district, connecting Sauchiehall Street at its northern end with Argyle Street at its southern end.

This pedestrianized boulevard is lined with elegant Victorian buildings and is home to a wide range of shops from high-street favorites to luxury brands, flagship stores of major international brands, department stores like the iconic House of Fraser (also known as Frasers) and numerous fashion, beauty and technology retailers.

Other options here include:

• Princes Square: Just off Buchanan Street, Princes Square is an upscale shopping and dining complex set in a beautifully restored Victorian building. It’s the perfect place to explore boutique shops, enjoy a meal or simply admire the elegant interior, complete with a glass roof and ornate ironwork.
• Buchanan Galleries: At the top end of Buchanan Street, the Buchanan Galleries shopping center offers a wide range of shops from major high-street names to smaller, specialist stores. It’s a modern contrast to the historic architecture of the street and provides a comprehensive shopping experience.

Conclusion

There you have it; how to spend a day in Glasgow with a day to kill. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anything else you think I should add.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul

Are you traveling further? Check out these other locations:

• 10 ways to spend one day in Belfast
• 10 ways to spend one day in Edinburgh
• 10 Ways to spend one day in Cardiff